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wurlog
Asked: 2010-09-06 09:16:35 +0800 CST

Can't use Windows Server 2003 Dell serial key with normal Windows Server 2003 Standard Cds. Help!

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I have here an old Dell Server with original serial key on the case. The server is damaged, so i bought a new one and wanted to use the licence from the old one. CDs are not included with the old server so i tried original Windows 2003 Server Standard RS 2 CDs, but the key won't work.

The sticker on the case says

"Windwos Server Std. 203 1-4CPU 5 Clt. DELL"

How can i find out which CDs will work with this key?

windows-server-2003 licensing

3 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    OEM stickers (license #s) generally go with the hardware they're affixed to. Technically you can't use one OEM license on a piece of physical hardware on another piece of physical hardware.

    And usually, that OEM license number is only usable when you attempt to install Windows Server 2003 from a Dell disk.

    I'm not a Microsoft Licensing Scheme(tm) expert.

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  2. For OEM media, you need to contact the OEM (Dell).

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  3. Dell stores the keys in a "SLIC" file. To changes this you would have to modify the BIOS on the replacement machines to use the same SLIC or a newer SLIC that would cover the activation key on your replacement system. Sometimes you can find one in a forum and install it. However if you screw it up, its cooked.

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